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BASILISK LIZARD
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Basiliscus plumifrons
HABITAT: Tropical rain forest of Central America.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
FUN FACT:
The lizards are called the Jesus Lizard because of their ability to rapidly move across water surfaces by moving their back legs in a churning motion and using splayed feet to slap the water which creates air pockets that prevent them from sinking.
DIET:
Plant material, insects, fruit, and small vertebrates.
DESCRIPTION:
Adult lizards are bright green with slight blue spots along their body and have yellow eyes. Juveniles are less brightly colored. The green basilisk is one of the largest basilisk species. Body length averages around 10 inches, combined with tail length they can measure over 2.5 feet. Adult males have three crests, one on their head and two more along the length of their body.
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